By Matt M. Stutz

The 100th edition of the State Route 12 rivalry game between the Pandora-Gilboa High School and Columbus Grove High School football teams did not disappoint. In the annual showdown between the two neighboring schools, the host Rockets came from behind in the second half, to pull out a thrilling 22-21 non-conference win to open the 2025 season.  

P-G found themselves down by seven after one quarter of play and the deficit grew to 14-0 by the halftime break. Both defenses were playing tough, as yards were hard to come by. P-G had a good scoring opportunity just before the intermission as they were driving for a touchdown with time running out, but a 4th down pass fell incomplete and the two teams headed to the locker room.

Coming out of halftime, P-G received the kickoff and in three plays jumped on the scoreboard. P-G senior running back Ben Burkholder finished off the drive scoring the touchdown from 6 yards out. Then junior kicker Layton Cannode split the uprights on the PAT kick as P-G down just 14-7.  In typical Grove fashion, the Bulldogs responded later in the third quarter to go up 21-7 entering the final stanza.

Midway through the fourth quarter, P-G found themselves facing a fourth and goal from the 8-yard line.  Needing a touchdown to stay in the game, P-G quarterback Cory Gerten took the shotgun snap and hit receiver Chase Meyer in stride over the middle for the score. Cannode split the uprights to put P-G within striking distance, 21-14, with 8:09 left.

P-G got the break they needed on Grove’s next possession. The Rockets defense forced a Bulldog fumble, giving the ball right back to the Rocket offense. On the very next play, Burkholder scored from 31 yards out, to make it 21-20. The PAT kick was missed, but Grove was simultaneously whistled for offsides. This gave P-G a second attempt, this time, from the 1-yard line. With the home crowd chanting “Two!”, P-G head coach Matt Hershey made the quick decision to indeed go for the two point conversion attempt. With Rocket fans pounding the metal bleachers to make some noise, Burkholder took the direct snap and pushed the ball one yard across the right side of the goal line to complete the 2-point conversion. The home crowd erupted: the Rockets had completed the comeback, taking their first lead over the Bulldogs 22-21 with 7:41 to play in the game.

Grove would subsequently get as close as the 14-yard line, but the Rockets defense came up with a QB sack and an interception at the 2-yard line.  P-G ran out the clock to seal the outcome.

Next up for the Rockets (1-0, 0-0 BVC) is their second of two non-conference games; they travel to Bluffton on Friday, August 28 to battle the Pirates.